Writer gets to know IVCC’s Improv group
By Joanie Carpenter
IV Leader Staff
On Wednesday Feb. 8 IV Leader staff writer Joanie Carpenter sat in on a
meeting of IVCC’s Improv group and wrote about the group’s many activities and
upcoming events.
When put on the spot, most people find themselves baffled at
even the simplest question. The IVCC improv group, however, thrives on this
challenge.
Every Wednesday the 12 member group rehearses their talent
from 3–5 p.m. in the IVCC Cultural Centre. The two hour practice gives each
performer a creative outlet to simply let loose.
Member Megan Norlin says she personally enjoys the group
because, “It’s just such a joy to make people laugh.”
Robert Calhan agrees, “If you come to improv with stress, you
just loose it. There’s no way you practice here with these guys and still walk
away strung out.”
I was invited to attend one of the Wednesday practices to see
for myself exactly what the group was all about. The session began with a small
chat lead by the team’s Student Director Ashley Larabee. She covered such topics
as previous rehearsals and performances.
Next, everyone got on stage to form a circle with each member
facing in. They were told to begin their warm up.
Not missing a beat, Pete Hamilton began by shouting “Zip” and
pointing at Megan Norlin who returned with “Zap” to Cheriz Kunkel. Kunkel then
threw a “Zop” at the next member until all were repeating these strange words
again and again.
“Zip,” “zap,” and “zop” apparently weren’t enough, so the
group added beeping, bunnies, a few moose and at one point in the game there was
even an antelope.
Cheriz Kunkel joined in December and really enjoys the group.
“It’s fun because it’s spontaneous,” said Kunkel, “and we learn a lot about
acting.”
“It’s the most fun I ever had in my life,” agreed Pete
Hamilton.
Members explained that most of the games are inspired by the
television show, “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” This was quite evident in, “Fairy
Tale in a Minute.”
The idea is that each group of two members has a minute to
tell the fairy tale that is given to them. Once the team makes it through the
story in one minute, their time is reduced. They’re telling the same story but
in a shorter time frame. The groups of two must perform their tale first in one
minute, then 30 seconds, 15 seconds and then in five seconds.
Although it may seem like just another fun game, the members
are encouraged to use large gestures as well as correct diction and vocal
variety while performing. The group was essentially practicing their skills for
a live performance.
“Each practice we try to cover volume, dictation, and how to
become characters by using quarks,” said Larabee. “We run mini shows by
practicing games. We need to see who works best with what people, as well as who
can do the verbal games versus who is better at the physicality of the games.”
Director of the organization, Dr. David Allan Keuster, said,
“Improv is something I’ve only enjoyed watching until I began instructing it.
I’ve realized what a tool it is for concentration and control through
challenging yourself. It’s amazing to watch the individual student growth as
well the team growth.”
The improv group has done numerous performances at places
such as Machelle’s in La Salle, the Illinois Theater Association in Chicago and
a conference in Morris.
The group can next be seen performing for a telethon on April
7 and 8 at the Court Street Cabaret Theatre in downtown Ottawa located at 616
Court Street.
They will also be performing at Easter Seals in Ottawa, which
will be televised.
The improv group is hosting a Luau themed dance on Wednesday
Feb. 22. The dance will include a live deejay, karaoke, dancing, the limbo and a
contest for the best costume. Admission is free with student ID or $3 at the
door.
Larabee suggests that all students check out the group.
“Everyone has to give a speech at some time in their life. Improve helps you
become not only more relaxed in front of an audience, but it also helps you
learn how to make up material on the spot to ad-lib rather than stutter.”